BIOGRAPHY
OLIVER BOKELBERG, ASC, DGA, AMPAS
Bokelberg grew up in his father's Photography Studio, in Hamburg, Germany. Moved to New York City in 1985, and graduated New York University UG Film & TV in 1988.
His graduation coincided with the premiere of 'YO! MTV RAPS,' and launched his career as cinematographer on countless music videos; creating a distinctive style for Artist such as MC LYTE, REDMAN, and LL COOL J.
His first feature film CHARMS INCIDENTS was photographed 1995 in Vienna, Austria, and directed by Michael Kreihsl. It was awarded the Caligari Prize at the Berlin Film Festival. Followed by many independent Films leading up to Sundance Winner 'THE STATION AGENT' in 2003. His collaboration with Tom McCarthy also created THE VISITOR and WIN WIN.
The Birth of daughter Ava in 2006, prompted Oliver to pursue his career in television. He moved his family to Los Angeles and photographed many successful network pilots, i.e. DIRTY SEXY MONEY, RAINES, MY OWN WORST ENEMY, SCANDAL, BIG SKY, and most recently ALASKA.
SCANDAL was home for 7 years and evoked Oliver's career as Director. Bokelberg directed ten episodes of Scandal, and multiple episodes of Station 19, Grey's Anatomy, and Big Sky.
He is proud to have partnered with Shonda Rhimes and Debbie Allen on the documentary 'DANCE DREAMS - HOT CHOCOLATE NUTCRACKER', which Oliver conceived, directed, photographed and produced for Netflix.
In June of 2022, Bokelberg takes on the role of Co-Executive Producer and Director for the Tom McCarthy created ALASKA, starring Hillary Swank for ABC.
FILMOGRAPHY
Content by Bokelberg
DANCE DREAMS -
Hot Chocolate Nutcracker
Documentary by Oliver Bokelberg
This feature-length Film takes its audience on a journey with 200 Kids ages 4 thru 20. They all share the same dream: to perform in Debbie Allen's Hot Chocolate Nutcracker. Ms. Allen mentors the kids to succeed in more than just dance; it is a rehearsal for the rest of their lives.
In Development
UNITED STATES VS. DANY G.
A political Thriller, based on true events. An FBI Translator falls for her subject of surveillance, a well known Isis fighter.
THE CREW
Episodic TV Series
An all-girl Black Jack Team takes charge in Las Vegas, but they get in deeper than they bargained for. .
other projects on request
In the Can
SCANDAL
2012-2018
Bokelberg photographed the Pilot for Director Paul McGuigan. And continued as the DP with Shonda Rhimes and her team thru the entire run of the Show: "Thank you Shonda, for giving me the opportunity to direct 10 Episodes."
TELEVISION PILOTS
Director of Photography
WORLD OF TROUBLE dir. Stephen Hopkins
DIRTY, SEXY MONEY dir. Peter Horton
RAINES dir. Frank Darabont
SCANDAL dir. Paul McGuigan
SURVIVORS REMORSE dir. Ken Whitingham
MY OWN WORST ENEMY dir. David Semel
UP ALL NIGHT dir. James Griffith
DEVIOUS MAIDS dir. Paul McGuigan
TRAUMA dir. Jeffrey Reiner
CRUSHED dir. Scott Ellis
FOR THE PEOPLE dir. Tom Verica
BIG SKY dir. Paul McGuigan
THE ENDGAME dir. Justin Lin
ALASKA dir. Tom McCarthy
WILL TRENT dir. Paul McGuigan
FEATURE FILMS
Director of Photography
THE STATION AGENT
THE VISITOR
WIN WIN
THE BOUNTY HUNTER
STRANGERS WITH CANDY
THE VISITOR
DARK MATTER
CHARMS INCIDENTS
LOGGERHEADS
HEIMKEHR DER JAEGER
MUSIC VIDEOS
1988-1995
Mc Lyte, LL Cool J, Shabba Ranks, KRS-One, Redman, Das EFX, Audio Two, Stetsasonic, Republica, Rakim, Branford Marsalis, B.B. King, Run DMC, 3rd Bass, Stereo Mc's, Chantay Savage, Christina Aguilera...
In Addition
Bokelberg enjoys being on the faculty for the Masterclass program of the American Society of Cinematographers. His 8 hour class concentrates on seeing light and implementing lighting concepts, while understanding its impact on actor's performances as well as production. When to consider cross shooting with two or more cameras, and how to go about it successfully?
Sundance
Film Festival
2003
Audience Award
THE STATION AGENT
Berlin
Film Festival
1996
Caligari Film Prize
CHARMS INCIDENTS
ASC
AWARDS
2006
Nominee Pilot
RAINES
Emmy Award
2021
OUTSTANDING TV MOVIE
CHRISTMAS ON THE SQUARE
New York
Avignon Film Festival
2000
KODAK VISION AWARD
THE CITIZEN
ASC
AWARDS
2007
CHITA
RIVERA
AWARD
2022
Nominee Pilot
MY OWN WORST ENEMY
Nomination
Best Director of a Documentary
DANCE DREAMS